- Mark Robinson was fired by Fox Sports
- Gerard Whateley confirmed his departure on Monday
- The station is looking for his replacement
Mark Robinson’s departure from AFL 360 is the latest change in the major shake-up taking place across Australian sports media, with Fox Footy now looking for a new candidate to take his place.
His departure from the iconic football show was confirmed on Monday by his former co-presenter Gerard Whateley before the end credits began and on Tuesday the 56-year-old confirmed he had been sacked by the broadcaster.
Reports emerged ahead of Saturday’s AFL Grand Final that Robinson would be leaving the program, having launched the program in 2010.
Over the years, the pair has entertained viewers with analysis, jokes and debates on the league’s top talking points.
Curiously, Robinson did not appear during Monday’s episode, and Whateley paid a heartfelt tribute to his broadcast partner, thanking him for sharing the desk with him for the past 15 years.
News Corp’s chief football editor revealed today on RSN’s Breakfast with Harf that he had in fact been told Fox no longer needed his services.
“But last week the decision was made that it was no longer needed in this program,” he told the program.
“Last Tuesday (Fox Sports boss) Steve Crawley told me that changes would be made, and unfortunately I am the change.
Mark Robinson (right) revealed on Tuesday that Fox Footy had sacked him.
But it appears Fox is now looking for a replacement for the legendary station.
Reports emerged ahead of Saturday’s AFL Grand Final that Robinson (right) was set to leave the program.
“It was actually quite difficult doing the shows last week.”
He added that he didn’t come forward because he feared “I might say something or act in a way that I might regret.”
He is the latest in a series of AFL broadcasters who are leaving their roles or moving to pastures new, with Kane Cornes and Caroline Wilson moving from Channel Seven to Channel Nine, while Nick Riewoldt has been signed by Channel Seven.
Much speculation has revolved around who could replace Robinson on the AFL 360 couch, with Jack Riewoldt replacing him on Monday, but one Melbourne Demons legend emerged as the favourite.
According The ageGary Lyon is the leading candidate to replace Robinson on the couch.
The outlet adds that “replacing Robinson has been on the cards for the past year” and Cornes had been “identified as a primary target,” while Nick Riewold “was considered a secondary option.”
Lyon joined Fox Footy in 2018 and presents On The Couch and Friday Night Football for the broadcaster.
The Age adds that he is “a favorite to replace Robinson in the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday lineup”, but adds that the broadcaster is yet to make a decision on who will succeed Robinson.
Reports claim Gary Lyon (pictured) is the “favorite to replace Robinson”
Gerard Whateley (pictured) has confirmed his AFL 360 co-presenter Mark Robinson will leave the show on Monday.
It comes as Whateley seemingly confirmed he would continue presenting the show in 2025 on Monday.
“Tonight the big thank you goes to Robbo,” Whateley said at the end of the show. ‘We have shared 15 years together at the desk.
“We came together with almost nothing in common other than football.
‘It was passion that brought us together and also brought us together (the audience).
‘In television terms, it’s a surprisingly long time to spend together and I will always have a feeling of gratitude for the almost 1,500 shows we have made together collaboratively.
“Robbo, it’s been great.”
Before the credits rolled, he added, “I’ll see you in 360 next year.”